Sodium has the symbol Na, atomic number 11 (11 protons and 11 electrons) and atomic mass 23 u, belongs to the 1 A family and is therefore classified as an alkali metal in the Periodic Table.
Sodium in mineral form becomes very important in the human body and therefore needs to be present in our food. When the mineral sodium reaches its ionized form within our body, it becomes one of the main factors in the osmotic regulation of blood, intercellular fluids and the acid-base balance.
Applications of compounds derived from sodium:
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH): better known as caustic soda, it is used in the paper, fabric, detergent, food and biodiesel industries.
Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3): used as a chemical yeast for breads and cakes and as a raw material in the manufacture of fire extinguishers.
A curiosity: the growth of the mass of grocery stores is explained by the release of CO2 (carbon dioxide).
Sodium carbonate (At2CO3): used to obtain the optimal pH level of drinking water. In industry it is used in the manufacture of glass.
By Líria Alves
Graduated in Chemistry
Brazil School Team
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SOUZA, Líria Alves de. "Sodium"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/quimica/sodio.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.